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A straddle fracture refers to bilateral fractures of the superior and inferior pubic rami (i.e., fractures of all four pubic rami), creating a free-floating anterior pelvic segment. [1-2] The term derives from the classic mechanism of falling astride a hard object (e.g., fence, beam, bicycle crossbar), though it also occurs in high-energy trauma such as motor vehicle collisions and falls from height. [3-4] Because the pelvis is a ring structure, an isolated anterior ring fracture almost always implies a concomitant posterior ring injury — CT studies show posterior pelvic ring lesions in up to 96.8% of patients with pubic rami fractures. [5-6]
The following figure illustrates a comminuted pubic rami fracture with symphyseal offset, demonstrating the principle that displaced anterior ring fractures should prompt evaluation for a second disruption in the posterior ring:
1. History
2. Alarm Features
3. Medications
4. Diet
5. Review of Systems
6. Collateral History and Family History
7. Risk Factors
8. Differential Diagnosis
9. Past Medical History
10. Physical Exam
11. Lab Studies
12. Imaging
13. Special Tests
14. ECG
15. Assessment
A straddle fracture represents a bilateral anterior pelvic ring disruption that, by the ring principle, almost always involves a concomitant posterior injury. [5-6] Severity ranges widely:
16. Treatment Plan
Initial stabilization (ED):
Hemorrhage control (unstable patients):
Definitive management:
17. Disposition
18. Follow Up / Return Precautions
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2. Is Anterior Plating Superior to the Bilateral Use of Retrograde Transpubic Screws for Treatment of Straddle Pelvic Ring Fractures? A Biomechanical Investigation. — Lodde MF, Katthagen JC, Schopper CO, et al. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021.
3. Is Anterior Plating Superior to the Bilateral Use of Retrograde Transpubic Screws for Treatment of Straddle Pelvic Ring Fractures? A Biomechanical Investigation. — Lodde MF, Katthagen JC, Schopper CO, et al. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021.
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14. — Voio Voio Radiology Database.
15. — Voio Voio Radiology Database.
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